Lille tifo stuck, thousands miss opening minutes of Lens derby amid stoppages | OneFootball

A giant tifo at Lille failed to drop before kick-off in the derby with Lens, leaving a side stand unable to watch the opening stages for 13 minutes.

According to Le Progres, the display had been spread across the stand but the banner did not release as planned.

Referee Letexier stopped the game after 10 minutes because visibility was reduced by flares ignited before play began.

The cover was eventually removed in time for Haraldsson to score in the 44th minute, just before half-time.

The officials also paused the match for several minutes when discriminatory and insulting chants were heard in the stands.

Last season’s northern derby featured another mishap, with Lille’s tifo accidentally unfurled upside down.

Source: Le Progres